GEORGINA CAMPBELL’S
HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2010:
In an awards ceremony in the offices of Bord Bia on Thursday, October 15th 2009, The BrookLodge Hotel & Wells Spa at Macreddin Village, Co. Wicklow was awarded the Hotel of the Year 2010.
In her citation, Georgina said " Numerous strands make up this complex operation – but, as you sense from the bright helpful staff and an atmosphere of care about the place, this very special hotel is more than the sum of its parts. Thanks to the vision of three brothers, Evan, Eoin and Bernard Doyle, a new “village” now exists on the site of a deserted one in a Wicklow valley - and they have devised many reasons for people to go there, including a Paul McGinley golf course and an equestrian centre amongst the many outdoor activities, and a Resort Spa. Weddings and events are key to its success, but kept completely separate from the main hotel, where there is a relaxed country house feel and a choice of dining in Ireland’s only certified organic restaurant, The Strawberry Tree, in atmospheric La Taverna Armento (there’s a whole story attached to that restaurant too, and its close links with a village in Italy) or, in theconvincingly old-world Actons pub on their little ‘street’ - anyone who remembers Evan’s original Strawberry Tree bar & restaurant in Killarney will recognise the skill at work here. A former winner of the Guide’s Natural Food Award (in association with Euro-Toques, in 2003), BrookLodge has earned national recognition for its strong position on organic food - and their organic food markets are legendary. Having worked hard to maintain high standards stay in the frame during this difficult year, it’s a great tribute to the Doyle brothers and their team that so many people still think it’s a good idea to head down to Wicklow for a break these days: they are to be heartily congratulated.
AA HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2008-2009
The BrookLodge Hotel & Wells Spa at Macreddin Village, Co. Wicklow has won the prestigious, AA Hotel of the Year 2008-2009.
The AA, Ireland’s longest established hotel grading organisation, inspects over 700 establishments in Ireland each year as part of the awards process. Constantly striving for innovation, the BrookLodge Hotel stood out as this year’s overall winner for its unique offering against a background of impeccable green credentials.
Speaking at the AA Hospitality Awards, Conor Faughnan, Public Affairs Manager AA Ireland said
“BrookLodge is a hotel that the Irish industry can be very proud of. They have created a unique experience in Macreddin Village and have done so with an eye to both the business and the environmental future. Our Inspectors have been consistently delighted at the quality of service and the whole guest experience at BrookLodge. The investments in quality are there for all to see and it is very pleasing to see them rewarded for their work. We are proud and delighted to name The BrookLodge Hotel & Wells Spa as the AA Hotel of the Year.”
Best Leinster Hotel
Irish Consumer Travel Awards 2009
On Tusday April 21st 2009, at a lavish awards ceremony in the RDS Dublin, well known TV Travel presenter, Kathryn Thomas, awarded The BrookLodge & Wells Spa the Irish Consumer Travel Awards 2009 - Best Leinster Hotel.
Supported by The Irish Times, Abroad Magazine, Ebookers and Virgin Atlantic, the winners were voted by members of the Irish Public in a poll independently audited by the DIT Tourism Research Centre.
